Electric version of Audi's smallest crossover spotted for the first time

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The all-electric Audi Q2 e-tron has been spied on public roads for the first time.

Most of the internal-combustion car's grille, vents and lower intakes have been sealed due to the EV's reduced cooling needs, as well as to improve the car's aerodynamics.

At the rear, the lower bumper has been modified to cover the space where exhaust pipes would have gone.

Interestingly, the roof doesn't have swirly camouflage applied to it, but is instead covered by a loose-fitting white plastic wrap. This suggests something interesting might be hiding underneath, like a solar roof for powering accessories and recharging the battery pack.

When it goes on sale, the Q2 e-tron will provide buyers with a more affordable alternative to the company's first mainstream EV, the much larger e-tron crossover.

Details about the Q2 e-tron's drivetrain have yet to be revealed, but it's a pretty safe bet it will have less power, torque and range than the 300kW/660Nm e-tron quattro, which can go around 400km between charges.

Initial reports suggested the Q2 e-tron was being developed primarily for the Chinese market, where the government continues to provide generous incentives for buyers to adopt electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

It's not known if the company plans on launching the Q2 e-tron in other markets, but with tightening emissions regulations and incentives becoming available in Germany, European sales seem to be a possibility.